Leadership Week at BSG: Celebrating Aspiration, Voice, and Growth

At The British School of Guangzhou, Leadership Week is more than just a calendar event, it’s a celebration of student voice, personal growth, and the values that shape our learning community. This year, the spotlight was on our Year 12 students as they stepped forward in the selection process for Head Student, a role that embodies responsibility, empathy, and the spirit of service.

The process began with a formal letter of application, where students articulated their vision for leadership and their commitment to the school community. Applicants were then invited to a panel interview with the Principal, Head of Secondary, and Assistant Head of Sixth Form; a rigorous and reflective process that challenged them to think deeply about their leadership style and aspirations. It was evident that they had all been shaped by previous opportunities to be involved in school leadership. The considerable experiences that they had articulated were outstanding.

Shortlisted candidates then delivered speeches to the student body, sharing their values, goals, and hopes for the year ahead. These speeches were not only a testament to their courage and clarity of thought but also a powerful moment of connection across the school. Students from across year groups were invited to express their support for two candidates, ensuring that the final decision reflected both leadership potential and peer respect.

We are pleased to congratulate the newly appointed Head Students— Sora Ishimoto, Esther Slade, Yuka Shibui and Kate Hong. We trust they will lead with integrity, compassion, and dedication, inspiring us all in the year ahead.

While the selection process was highly competitive, we also want to celebrate the hard work and effort of all the students who participated, regardless of the outcome. Each applicant demonstrated remarkable commitment and courage, and we commend them for their perseverance and passion. Your dedication to the process reflects your strong character, and we are confident you will continue to grow and lead in many meaningful ways in the future.

The Head Student role at BSG is far more than symbolic. It carries a wide range of responsibilities; from chairing Student Council meetings and leading assemblies, to supporting major school events such as Awards Day, Arts Celebration Evening, and the Graduation Ball. Head Students also collaborate with departments across the school, including Marketing, Facilities, and Catering, to ensure student perspectives are heard and acted upon.

Candidates were assessed not only on their ability to lead and inspire, but also on their communication skills, reliability, and capacity to balance academic excellence with leadership duties. The role demands integrity, initiative, and a proactive approach, qualities that were clearly demonstrated throughout the selection process.

Leadership Week reminds us that leadership is not defined by titles, but by action, empathy, and the ability to inspire others. We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated, for their ambition, their authenticity, and their willingness to grow.

As we look ahead, we know that the future of BSG is in capable hands.